The inaugural Democracy Heroes Awards, an initiative to honor a number of remarkable advocates bolstering democratic values across the country, had The Rockefeller Foundation buzzing last night. organized by organizations that support voting rights I cast a ballot. The awards, which were presented by HeadCount, the foundation, Morning Joe on MSNBC, and others recognized those leading the charge in the fight for voting rights while illuminating their tenacity and resolve.
The cocktail hour at the beginning of the evening allowed the activist honorees to get to know one another and discover more about their common objectives. The voting groups Battleground Texas, Gen-Z For Change, and Protect The Vote GA, along with organizations dedicated to civic engagement like Public Schools First NC, The Conversationalist, and Project Ready, were represented by the recipients. I cast a ballot. The evening began with co-founder Mandana Dayani telling the origin story of the awards. The hosts, Jessica Alba and Ariana DeBose, then addressed the assembled guests in a kind and respectful manner.
“Our heroes fight for diverse causes, come from a variety of backgrounds, and take on a range of challenges in an era that serves as a constant reminder that democracy is more than just a form of government,” Alba said. Speeches from a master class of Hollywood talent and political greatness, including Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Busy Phillips, and Symone Sanders Townsend, were given in recognition of the organization throughout the celebration.
“Every single one of us is a piece in the puzzle that is our union, and that union can only get better when we are all heard,” Rodriguez stated. The honorees were taken by surprise when there was an unexpected announcement made in between speeches. Along with a handwritten note of appreciation given to each visitor at their seat, President Joe Biden extended his heartfelt congratulations to the first class of Democracy Heroes. He wrote, “Each of you has strengthened our democracy for future generations—you have not only defended and preserved it.” There was happy surprise and animated discussion when the letter arrived.
The evening, infused with both optimism and urgency, served as a reminder that safeguarding democracy requires continuous effort from all corners of society, starting with the Democracy Heroes and ending with everyday Americans. Their efforts to expand voting rights carried a powerful message: the event wasn’t merely a celebration—but a compelling call to action.
